Wheat Ridge Council approves data sharing agreement with Metro Denver Homeless Initiative

Wheat Ridge City Council has taken a significant step towards enhancing data sharing and collaboration among agencies serving the homeless community. During their meeting on July 14, 2025, council members discussed and approved a resolution to establish a data sharing agreement with the Metro Denver Homeless Initiative (MDHI) and other partner agencies. This agreement aims to improve the continuity of care for individuals experiencing homelessness in the region.

Since the inception of Wheat Ridge's navigation program in 2020, the city has partnered with MDHI to utilize a homeless management information system (HMIS). This system allows agencies to collect and share critical data about individuals seeking assistance, including demographics, service history, and health status. The new resolution will enable navigators to access countywide reports, enhancing their ability to track and respond to the needs of the homeless population more effectively.

Family Tree, a key agency providing outreach services in Arvada, will also join the collaborative under this agreement. This inclusion is expected to streamline data entry and improve service delivery for those in need. Council members emphasized the importance of data security, confirming that access to sensitive information will be restricted to trained navigators only, ensuring compliance with privacy standards similar to those governing health data.

The council's decision reflects a commitment to fostering a coordinated approach to homelessness, allowing for better resource allocation and support for vulnerable individuals. As the city moves forward with this initiative, it aims to create a more integrated support system that can adapt to the evolving needs of the community.